An ode to childhood

Republic Records

On October 16,2024, as I was about to call it a day, I see my phone buzzing with messages. Thinking it to be just another ad, I checked to find messages from friends, in all caps, “DID YOU SEE ABOUT LIAM PAYNE?!” Confused and panicked I opened Instagram, to read- “Liam Payne dies at 31”

Little girl in her room, with earphones in, humming happily away, flashed before me. That is what the singer stood for, millions of people’s childhood and teenage years. Liam, 1/5 of one of the biggest boy bands of this century, One Direction, unfortunately passed away in Argentina. The circumstances of this tragedy remain murky, but that is not what this post is about.

Liam James Payne, hailing from Wolverhampton, first auditioned on the renowned show, The X Factor in 2008, and once again in 2010, where he became part of the boyband, One Direction. “Five normal lads” who were put under the spotlight and toured the world amassing millions of fans. They lit up the stage, stadiums and world alike with their music. There’s a clip from their documentary concert film, This is Us, where a neuroscientist explains how the release of dopamine, is what makes the fans so excited.

But we didn’t know any of that. As young kids, all we knew was the music made us happy. Their videos, behind the scenes antics, video diaries, was joyous to watch. That is what music does, beyond borders, transports you to a world of your liking. There have been multiple, some of them explainable, scenarios where music has healed people. These boys were creating memories for themselves, whilst inexplicably becoming part of all of ours. It’s been 8 years since the band last performed together, but I have found myself on many occasion playing their songs, just to reminisce. The fans have time and again been teased with a reunion, and the recent passing of Liam, was not the reunion that was hoped for.

Fans grieving all over the world, did not just lose one of their favourite singers, but a part of their childhood. The previous generations have been in this situation, but this is the first time, a pop-star of the late millennial, and early Gen-Z has passed away. With society becoming more open to conversation about mental health, Liam’s passing, can’t help but turn our attention towards a necessity now. For all fans feeling the shock, it is okay to grieve for a star who didn’t know you personally. It is okay to feel sad, and like you lost someone very dear to you. Your emotions are valid. Life is precious and precarious, so don’t hesitate to say Thank you and sorry, and give a hug to your near and dear ones.

Liam, thank you for being an amazing singer, dancer, songwriter, and giving us so much to remember you by. To rephrase from a One Direction song-

Now that you’re gone, I’ll listen to your voice and sing along.

Rest in Paradise Liam.

By

Jayashree